To be the Very Best (Pokémon X Male Reader)

MissingNo. Arc Chapter 8 - The Downfall of Zephyr

The dusty road leading into Lavender Town stretched before them, the eerie silhouette of the Pokémon Tower looming in the distance. Nemona, Zinnia, and Hope were closing in on their destination, tension palpable in the air. The sky above was a hazy grey, the oppressive atmosphere pressing down on them as they prepared to face whatever lay ahead.

As they neared the route leading into the town, they spotted someone sitting casually by the side of the road, leaning against a wooden fence. The girl, with sharp eyes and a calm demeanour, glanced up at them with a friendly smile, holding her hand out in greeting.

"Howdy, strangers," she called out, her voice carrying easily through the still air. "Wait a second... Do I know you two?"

Nemona froze in her tracks, eyes wide in disbelief. "No way... you're Monika, *the* Pokémon Master!" she exclaimed, barely able to contain her excitement. "You're like the one to beat! Wow, this is... this is something else!"

Zinnia shot Nemona a look, smirking slightly. "Former Pokémon Master," she corrected, her tone edged with sarcasm. "She lost that title to Nyx, remember?"

Monika's friendly smile faltered, her gaze shifting to Zinnia with a dull, unreadable expression. Then, just as quickly, she brightened again. "I suppose that's one way of looking at it," she mused. "Let me think... You're Nemona, right? And that must mean you're Hope, champions of Paldea and Alola. Impressive titles for such young trainers. I started my journey not much older than you, Hope."

Hope blinked, taken aback. "You... you know who we are?"

Monika gave a short laugh, sitting back against the fence. "Of course. I know champions when I see them. Although," she added with a glance at the empty road, "there isn't much out here. Where are you three headed?"

Zinnia stepped forward, her expression serious. "Lavender Town. We're searching for a friend of ours."

"Oh yeah? Who're you looking for?" Monika asked, her tone casual. "I might be able to help."

Nemona hesitated for a second before speaking up. "We're looking for a guy named Y/N. He's about... ugh, this tall, looks like..." She trailed off, struggling to describe him. "Well, it's hard to explain, but you'd know him if you saw him."

Monika's eyes flickered with recognition, her lips curling into a knowing smile. "Oh, right. Y/N. I knew that name sounded familiar. He's the one travelling with a girl named Leaf, right?"

Hope's eyes widened, and she stepped forward quickly. "You've seen him?! Is he okay?"

Still seated, Monika leaned back further, shrugging nonchalantly. "He's fine. In perfect health, actually," she said, waving a hand as if dismissing the concern. "I helped him cross into Johto a few days ago. You just missed him. If you'd been here a little earlier..." She clicked her tongue, feigning disappointment. "It is what it is. But hey, if you head back now, you might catch him before he—what was it? Oh, right, right. He's heading back to Sinnoh."

Nemona frowned, her excitement dampening. "That doesn't make sense. Y/N wouldn't just leave without trying to save his stolen Pokémon," she muttered, a hint of suspicion creeping into her voice.

"We appreciate the word," Zinnia said sharply, already moving past Monika, "but we're still going to Lavender Town, even if Y/N isn't there."

As the trio turned to walk away, a loud "Ah, ah, ah." Came from behind. They all froze and turned back to find Monika standing now, her posture tense, holding a Pokéball low at her side, her expression hardening.

"I *really* suggest you turn around, kids," Monika said, her voice dropping into a dangerous tone. The easy smile was gone, replaced by a cold glare. "Any more interference and you might just end the world. You all seem like good kids. Really, you do. It would've been my honour to battle you for the title of Pokémon Master. But I'm afraid I can't let you go any further."